March 15, 2025

Men ought to pay a great deal more attention to substance and realities than to ceremonies. And yet it is incredible how easily people fall for kind, soft words. The reason is that everyone thinks he merits being highly esteemed, and therefore will be indignant if he thinks you are mindless of what he deserves.

Francesco Guicciardini (1483–1540), Italian historian and statesman, Ricordi, C, 26

Who perceives that I esteem him too little? What can I do to change that perception?

The British long ago solved the issue of substance and realities versus ceremonies. The latter is left to the monarch—the head of state, and the former to the prime minister—the head of government. This is as opposed to the perennial American dilemma, where the president has both roles. Note the speed with which a prime minister who screws up can be sent packing, and the agony the Americans go through at the thought of impeaching and then convicting a president, though they did get over that twice—partially at least—not too long ago.